By Stéphane Lévesque, Local Journalism Initiative
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On the eve of the construction vacation, the Minister of Health and Social Services, Christian Dubé, is making a clear appeal to Quebecers.
“Private gatherings, both outside and inside, remain prohibited beyond ten people. The rule also applies in chalets and campsites, which we know are very popular with Quebecers during the summer season. We really need everyone’s collaboration so as not to have to relive the confinement and go back. I’m counting on you, ”he said.
“I remain in constant communication with the associations of bar keepers, and I thank them for their collaboration in the deployment of additional protection measures. It is essential at this time that the measures we have enhanced are respected if we want to avoid the spread of the virus and keep the bars open. We also strongly recommend that tenants keep a register, including customer contact information. This is what will allow us to facilitate epidemiological investigations in the event of an outbreak. We will also continue, with the CNESST, inspections throughout the holidays, so as to ensure that the various public health directives are respected. I continue to monitor the situation very closely and do everything to ensure that the efforts of Quebecers over the past few months are not wasted, ”added Christian Dubé.
Furthermore, according to the data collected over the past few days and the epidemiological investigations carried out, the situation does not, for the moment, allow associating the resurgence of cases of the last few days with the reopening of bars. It should also be noted that additional measures have recently been put in place to avoid possible outbreaks in these areas, in particular the closing of bars at 1 a.m. and the stopping of the sale of alcohol from midnight, given a relaxation of alertness and, consequently, an increase in risk factors for virus transmission, starting at this time.
The Minister recalls, however, that it is not excluded to proceed with a possible closure of the bars, if the case investigations show us a causal link between their opening and certain outbreaks. He continues to monitor the situation very closely.
Minister Dubé thanked the population who responded positively to the call from the public health authorities and who went to be tested for COVID-19 in recent days. As of July 15, daily withdrawals reached 14,952, exceeding the target of 14,000. Efforts continue to be made to significantly increase the capacity of walk-in screening clinics, and this, throughout the territory of Montreal and certain cities in Quebec. Several improvements, including the opening of new clinics and the extension of opening hours, are aimed at ensuring that anyone who needs a screening test has faster access to this service.
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